Press Releases

Two medieval finger rings, declared treasure by H. M. Coroner for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan yesterday (15 May 2008), may soon become part of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales's archaeological collection.

Both decorative rings, one is a 12th century gold ring set with rose quartz and the second, typical of the 13th century, has a projected oval bezel with 11 ‘petals' set with a small uncut almandine garnet."

Objects from the Museum's archaeology collection, such as those which form National Museum Cardiff's new Origins: In search of Early Wales exhibition, tell the tale of how people used to live in Wales," said Medievalist Dr Mark Rednap. "These decorative rings are a valuable addition to this story, uncovering information about fashion, style and other aspects of life in Medieval Wales."

Following their valuation by the independent Treasure Valuation Committee, Amgueddfa Cymru will pursue acquisition for future display at the Museum.

The first ring was found at Rhoose on 12 September 2007 and the other at Llanfair, Vale of Glamorgan on 3 July 2007. They are two of 10 items confirmed as treasure at yesterday's inquest.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.  These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. EndsFor further information, photograph or interview opportunities, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer, on 029 2057 3185/07920 027067 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.

Notes to Editors

Origins: in search of Early Wales

The objects chosen for Origins: in search of Early Wales exhibition at National Museum Cardiff are a selection of many magnificent objects discovered in Wales which help us understand ourselves, and Wales, today.  Highlights include:

-    The earliest formal human burial in western Europe, the remains of ‘The Red Lady of Paviland';

-    Two-dimensional art style in Wales - the Bryn Celli Ddu stone, from Anglesey; -    Timeless designs in gold from Bronze Age Wales such as the Capel Isaf bracelets and the Burton hoard neck pendant;

-    A rare survival from the Reformation - a 13th-century painted figure of Christ from a rood (Crucifixion), discovered in the 19th century hidden behind the walled up access to the rood loft at Kemeys Inferior Church, Monmouthshire.

Focusing on people and change, contemporary relevance is visually explicit. Art, photography, sculpture, music, animation also have a dynamic presence in the gallery which includes new works commissioned for the exhibition.